Supplier News: Week of May 15

LovePendants Announces Retail Display Selling System

Engraved gemstone startup company LovePendants has announced its turnkey display selling system for retail jewelers, which will officially debut at this year’s JCK Las Vegas show. Including a display of best-selling charms, pendant chains, charm bracelets and connectors, gift sleeves, and care cards, the in-store system starts at $1,995.

All display packages come with an e-commerce affiliate website at no additional charge, which can be customized to the retailer’s store. For more information on the package, call Robert Leser at 800-223-1231, or visit lovependants.com.

WJA Los Angeles Hosts Educational Event

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Los Angeles chapter hosted an educational event on the evening of May 3 entitled “In the Know: Business 101.” The event, which was geared towards small business owners, touched on topics like negotiating, patents and trademarks, banking, and retirement planning, played host to over 40 members of the industry.

“While we focus most of our energies on precious metals, gemstones, and other facets of our beautiful industry, it’s important to have a solid foundation of good business practices in order to be successful,” said AJA-LA chapter copresident, Tanya Parikh. “This event provided an opportunity for attendees to expand their knowledge in those outside areas.”

Chamilia to Support Breast Cancer Awareness With Collection

Charm brand Chamilia has announced that it will donate a portion of proceeds from purchases of its Brave & Strong charm collection to the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” initiative.

Available for $45 each, the collection features two charms in sterling silver and accented with Swarovski Crystals, one with the word Brave, the other, Strong.

“We create something unique and special in support of women fighting against breast cancer every year,” said Chamilia vice president Catherine Ottaviano in a press release. “Chamilia is a brand that works for women who wear their hearts on their sleeves. We support these women in their struggles and celebrations.”

The collection will be available starting on July 14. For more information, visit chamilia.com.

Virtual Diamond Boutique Debuts Colored Gemstone Inventory

Sourcing app Virtual Diamond Boutique (VDB) has announced the debut of colored gemstones to its omnichannel offerings, an expansion of its diamond inventory.

“We are changing the way the industry sources gemstones,” said CEO and founding partner Tanya Nisguretsky in a press release. “Many have tried and failed to digitize the colored gemstone search process, but since the launch of VDB, we’ve been working hand in hand with our vendors and really listening to their needs, challenges, and opportunities. This colored gemstone search tool will save retailers, wholesalers, and designers both time and money and will help them compete in the modern world by capturing customer sales, even outside the store.”

Users of the app can select from an inventory of gemstones by stone type, shape, carat weight, lab report information, location of supplier, and country of origin. The reportedly easy-to-use navigation can also be used to train store associates for a better understanding of gemstones.

Gemstone dealers may list their offerings, including HD videos, images, certification details, and contact information, for a nominal fee. For more information, visit vdbapp.com, download the app for iPhone or Android, or visit getvdb.com on a desktop computer.